VSCode-GitHub-and-Portfolio-Block1

Overview

This first part of Block 1 introduces the tools and working environment that will be used throughout the course.

---

Learning Objectives

Basic Objectives

The following objectives are fundamental to the course. You are expected to complete the exercises to develop core technical proficiency.

• Set up VS Code, Git/GitHub, and the Python programming environment
• Become familiar with procedures for accessing course materials and uploading your work to GitHub

Advanced Objectives

The following objectives contribute to the assessment, which involves creating and maintaining a GitHub profile. This will help you build a portfolio for future coursework and professional use.

• Create a GitHub profile README.md page using VS Code
• Create Portfolio 1 for the Block 1 exercises

---

Learning Resources

You will need to download and install the following software.

Visual Studio Code

• Download: https://code.visualstudio.com/Download

Recommended activities:

1. Explore core functions: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs
2. Follow Python setup instructions: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/python-quick-start
3. Explore built-in and AI extensions: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/intelligentapps/overview

Recommended extensions:

• Python
• Jupyter
• GitHub Copilot
• Markdown Shortcuts
• Code Spell Checker

Python

Choose one distribution:

• Anaconda: https://www.anaconda.com/download
• Miniconda: https://www.anaconda.com/docs/getting-started/miniconda/install

Git

• Download and install Git: https://git-scm.com/install

Video Resources (Optional)

• Geographic Software Design playlist:
  https://www.youtube.com/@giswqs

• Installing Visual Studio Code, Git, and Miniconda:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zmXL2ppves

---

Exercises 1

The following exercises should be completed during and after your engagement with the learning resources.

---

Create a GitHub Profile Page (README.md)

Step 1: Create the Repository on GitHub

Create a public repository that will act as your GitHub profile page.

Steps:

1. Log in to GitHub
2. Click New repository
3. Set:
   • Repository name: your exact GitHub username (e.g. YangWang-Glasgow)
   • Public: enabled
   • Initialize with README: enabled
4. Click Create repository

---

Step 2: Clone the Repository

Option A: VS Code (GUI)

1. Open VS Code
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on macOS)
3. Select Git: Clone
4. Paste:

   https://github.com/your-username/your-username.git
   

5. Choose a local folder and click Open

Option B: Terminal

cd your-folder
git clone https://github.com/your-username/your-username.git

---

Step 3: Edit README.md

1. Open README.md in VS Code
2. Write content using Markdown

Template resources:

• https://github.com/abhisheknaiidu/awesome-github-profile-readme
• https://github.com/coderjojo/creative-profile-readme

Markdown references:

• https://www.markdownguide.org/cheat-sheet
• https://github.com/adam-p/markdown-here/wiki/Markdown-Cheatsheet

Markdown preview in VS Code:

• Ctrl + Shift + V
• Ctrl + K then V

---

Step 4: Commit and Push Changes

1. Open the Source Control panel
2. Stage changes (+)
3. Write a commit message (e.g. update README.md)
4. Click Commit
5. Click Push or Sync
6. Check your GitHub profile page for updates

---

Submission Instructions

• Post your GitHub profile link on the Moodle forum
• The repository must be public
• Submissions are visible to all students

---

Exercises 2

Setting Up a Python Environment in VS Code (Using Conda)

This exercise explains how to set up a Python environment in VS Code using Anaconda or Miniconda.

---

Step 1: Install the Python Extension

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X)
3. Search for Python (Microsoft)
4. Click Install

---

Step 2: Check Conda Installation

Open the VS Code terminal and run:

conda --version

If a version number appears, Conda is installed correctly.

---

Step 3: Create a Conda Environment

conda create -n course-env python=3.13.1
conda activate course-env

You should see (course-env) in the terminal prompt.

Note that, if you cannot active course-env, try to switch to 'Command Prompt' by

• press Ctrl + Shift + P
• Select the terminal profile, type:

Terminal: Select Default Profile

• From the list, select:

Command Prompt

• Open a new terminal by Terminal → New Terminal or press Ctrl + `

You should now see a prompt like: C:\Users... (not PS C:...)

• Activate Conda

conda activate course-env

You should see: (course-env) C:\Users...

---

Step 4: Select the Interpreter in VS Code

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + P
2. Select Python: Select Interpreter
3. Choose:

   conda | course-env | Python 3.13.1
   

---

Step 5: Install Required Packages

conda install numpy pandas matplotlib

Always activate the environment before installing packages.

---

Step 6: Test the Environment

Create test.py:

import numpy as np
import pandas as pd

print(np.__version__)
print(pd.__version__)

Run:

python test.py

---

Step 7: Use Jupyter Notebooks

conda install jupyter

Open a .ipynb file and select course-env as the kernel.